Birth date: Apr 15, 1937 Death date: Aug 14, 2021
It is with great sadness to share the passing of Robert Novite Silva. Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary is honored to be serving the Silva family. Robert Novite Silva (Bob/Bobby/Lopaka), SGM (Ret.), US Army Special Forces and resid Read Obituary
I met Sargeant Major Bobby Silva years ago at 24 Hour Fitness. I was amazed when he told me he was 84 years old. It was a chance meeting and I found in him someone that I could share the horrible experience of serving in Viet Nam. The fact that what we did was covert and never recognized gave us a common bond. Though we never served together there was that bond and comfort we could share.
My blessings go out to his ohana. Bobby was one of a kine. I shall miss him.
My Papa was my Hero. He was always there for me and supported me in all my decisions I made in life. He encouraged me and pushed me to be my best. I have so many wonderful memories with him that I will cherish and pass on to my children. I miss my grandpa and my kids miss their great grandpa. We love you so much Papa. Until we meet again.
SGM was instrumental in hiring me at Farrington HS. He was willing to work with a female so I became the first Hawaii female JROTC instructor. He taught this Army Nurse how to be an military JROTC instructor. His mentorship, knowledge, and patience with cadets provided the guidance for them to become successful young adults. He truly cared for everyone never hesitating to help someone in need. We wore our uniforms with pride displaying our love for serving our country. He was never angry and always had a infectious smile. So many fun memories! He told me if this job is not fun quit! 22 years of fun mentoring cadets at Farrington HS and HMSU. Together we did what was the best for our cadets and made it enjoyable. Countless hours, weekdays and weekends we were committed to our cadets, making Hawaii JROTC da best. Memories still pop up everyday and I am still smiling remembering the fun times. 22 awesome years! As he would say "Mahalo Plenty" for all the memories. GOD BLESS my dear friend RIP, A Hui Hou!
When my dad was stationed at Ft. Shafter we lived next door. I will never forget the day I took (yep, without permission) our van. Well, me and several friends (ya know who you were 🤣) decided to joy ride to Milalani. Well the van wouldn't start for several hours. By the time I got back I believe 6amish...coasting the van into the parking slot....looking into the Silva's kitchen window. There sat Mr. Silva reading the paper. Yep, I couldn't even pretend it wasn't me lol he looked me dead in the eyes....never said a word. I knew I was going to be in huge trouble later. He shared his discovery with my dad and yeppers, I was grounded for the summer. That is just one of my many memories. He will definitely be missed.
ALOHA MR. SILVA
Bob Silva and I met when we joined the first all Hawaii Company formed with high school graduates from Hawaii in 1955. We became life long friends. After basic training in Fort Ord CA we joined the 77th Special Forces Group in Fort Bragg NC. We were in Washington DC when he met his wife Jettie. We were in Bad Toelz Germany when when I got married to my wife Renate and he and Jettie were Best Man an Maid Of Honor. Over the years of our military careers our contacts were limited. But our Christmas cards kept us close. It is with great sadness that Renate and I received the news of his passing. We wish that we had been able to spend more time together. In any event, our sincere condolences to the whole Silva family.
Aloha Silva Ohana, I give my condolences to your dad and Ohana, I would like to share a little memory of Sergeant major Silva that’s how I knew him, as I grew up in high school JROTC he was the best sergeant/ Teacher he taught me how to shoot the rifle for rifle team, he told me to take a deep breath and hold and shoot . He even March along with us in the aloha week parade on a hot long March from ala Moana beach park to Waikiki beach close by the zoo which was the end of the March. Even being there for spring camp, he was always there for us thick and thin rain or shine he was with us JROTC kids all the way. He been the best supporter ever . Sergeant major Silva I salute you. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten Aloha sergeant major Silva. Fr. Debbie Estrada
Sorry for the lost of a great warrior and chapter member. He was always on top of everything he was task to do. Outstanding person and friend. Condolences to his family and friends.
I first met the Silva family when we were all stationed in Massachusetts years ago. Mr. Silva and Mrs. Silva were always nice to me when I was at their house playing with the kids. I had the opportunity to visit with them again a few years ago while on vacation. I will always love this family like they are my own family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for each of you. You will continue to be in my prayers. ❤️
The man with a steady and strong step. Never tired and always with a smile that could resuscitate a dead person. Met him in the JROTC program while I was teaching in Nanakuli. With him, I learn patience, kindness and dedication for the cadets. SGM Silva, as I knew him was BBC an inspiration not only for cadets but for instructors alike. He always understood that cadets were students minors and not soldiers. He knew when to push and when to stand back. Love him as an instructor, coworker and my boss when at HMSU. I will RIP but will always remember alive.
My daddy was one of a kind. I have so many wonderful memories of him. He loved Indy car racing, the Washington Redskins, the New York Yankees, the Kingston Trio and Hawaiian music. I love you and miss you so much😔❤️
